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Tragedy to Triumph

An interview with Prof. Elie Wiesel, Honorary Chairman of the Tsfat Education Fund, and Rabbi Ephraim Kenig, on Faith in a Post-Holocaust Era.

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In what ways have chassidic teachings shaped your work as a writer, teacher, thinker and Jew? Also, do you consider yourself a chassid in any way?

Elie Wiesel: The answer is yes, I am a chassid, because when I am asked what kind of Jew I am, there are so many different ways to be Jewish, so the easiest response is yes, I am a chassidic Jew. I grew up in Chassidut Vizhnitz, but I also became very close to the late, great, Lubavitcher Rebbe. Although I wasn’t his chassid, I was his friend. I also love Rebbe Nachman of Breslev. I grew up with other chassidic influences, but for me, it is like a love affair with Rebbe Nachman. He deals with love, which is seen through how he viewed the world and the way he told stories. If I could write in the way he wrote, I would probably be better off. I received much from Rebbe Nachman. But truthfully, I have also taken a lot from my Jewish learning. I learn gemara every single day because that’s who I am.

Naturally, I went through spiritual crises after the war, but I never abandoned my passion for study. Many have endured the same events and tragedies as I. People often ask, “How did you survive?” I don’t know how I survived. Believe me, I have no idea. My question, on the other hand, would be different. I would ask how did we remain normal in a world that was so inhuman? We came out of the war as defenseless, absolutely naked. What saved us?

I know what saved my sanity was Torah study. After the war, the moment I arrived at an orphanage in France, the first thing I asked for was a masechet from a Talmudic tractate I had brought with me when I entered the camps. I wouldn’t be who I am today without the influence of Rava and Abaye, Rabbi Akiva, Rebbe Yishmael and actually, also the Baal Shem Tov. I have never given up learning. So I am a chassid in the best sense of the word, despite the fact I don’t look like it. Perhaps if there had been no war, I would be wearing a shtreimel today together with Rav Ephraim—and I say this with nostalgia.

In Manhattan: Why is Tsfat Important?

Why Tsfat is the "Field of Dreams"

Rabbi Moshe Weinberger of Aish Kodesh in Woodmere, NY, addressing a diverse gathering in Manhattan at the Museum of Jewish Heritage-A Living Memorial to the Holocaust. He speaks on the higher significance of Tsfat to our generation in the context of Chassidic teachings.

The Galilee's Strategic Importance

Tsfat is one of the four holy cities, alongside Jerusalem, Hebron and Tiberias. Resting on the third highest peak in Israel, Tsfat is a vital military and strategic stronghold in the Upper Galilee, in an area that is 60% non-Jewish. Unlike the other three holy cities, Tsfat is entirely Jewish, with a population of over 25,000 residents. 

About Tsfat

Negotiations affecting Israel's borders are likely to continue. We stand at an historic junction in the development of Northern Israel. Tsfat serves as the capital of the Upper Galilee. Our goal is to strengthen key Jewish institutions and investment in this ancient city. This will create a strong and cohesive presence to establish a spiritual and financial stronghold in a strategically critical region of Israel.

Tsfat in particular must be restored as a center for excellence in scholarship, community values and economic health. This will effectively transform the area into a choice destination of travel, study and financial investment for Jews throughout Israel and the world.

Many have attempted to do just this, but the secret to success lies exclusively in the proper alignment with the inherent character of the city, imbued by the great sages and leaders of the Jewish people, whose words have shaped Jewish practice and belief for centuries.